Wine cooler shows E12 and compressor or fans may not run; unit may be completely non-cooling

Safety: Unplug the appliance before accessing any control boards. Static discharge can damage electronics; ground yourself before handling boards.

E12 indicates that the main control and the display/user interface are not communicating properly.

• Step 1 – Inspect harness: Access the area behind the control panel and the main control board. Locate the multi-wire communication harness between them. Check for pinched, cut, or burnt wires.
• Step 2 – Reseat connectors: Disconnect and reconnect the harness at both ends, ensuring it is fully seated and latched.
• Step 3 – Visual board inspection: Look for burnt components or corrosion on both the UI and main control board.
• Step 4 – Replace suspect board: If the harness is intact, replace the user interface board first (typically easier and less expensive). If E12 persists, replace the main control board.
• Step 5 – Professional service: If you are not comfortable handling electronic boards, schedule service with a KitchenAid-authorized technician.